Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived on Monday in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka for a two-day official visit, the first leg of his four-nation tour from June 14 to June 24.

In a written speech delivered at the airport upon arrival, Xi said he expects to "take this opportunity to pay tribute and extend my best wishes to the Bangladeshi government and people."

"China and Bangladesh are close and friendly neighbors," said the vice president, adding that the China-Bangladesh friendly relationship and cooperation have enjoyed continuous growth over the 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"The two sides are now working to build a closer comprehensive partnership of cooperation. A new starting point brings new development opportunities to the bilateral relationship," he said.

In retrospect, China and Bangladesh decided in March this year to establish and develop a closer comprehensive cooperative partnership, which is of vital significance to the expansion of the overall China-Bangladesh relationship.

During his meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed on Monday, Xi put forward a four-point proposal on lifting the bilateral relationship to a higher level, according to a press release issued by the Chinese delegation.

The proposals include keeping frequent high-level exchanges, expanding economic cooperation, exploring more fields for cooperation and strengthening cultural exchanges.

Xi said the Chinese side is willing to join hands with the Bangladeshi side to expand bilateral trade and resolve the problem of trade imbalance.

He also said the Chinese government will continue to provide Bangladesh with adequate assistance, encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh.

On international and regional issues, Xi said the Chinese side is willing to cooperate with Bangladesh on regional cooperation, climate change, energy security and safeguarding the key interests of developing countries.

Hasina, on her part, said Bangladesh attaches great importance to the bilateral relations, extending her appreciation for China's assistance to Bangladesh in boosting social and economic development.

She also said her government will strengthen cooperation with China on a wide range of fields so as to boost the progress of bilateral relationship.

Xi also met with representatives of the Bangladesh-China People's Friendship Association (BCPFA) and other friendship organizations here on Monday.

Xi said maintaining friendly relationship between China and Bangladesh needs the support of both countries and peoples, adding that "the BCPFA and other friendship organizations have set up a bridge of friendship between the two peoples."

"We are facing important and historical opportunities in developing the relationship between China and Bangladesh. The two countries should have more closer political relationship," he said.

"We will also expand the exchanges between the two countries in the fields of culture, education, sports and tourism, and will support all the friendship activities including the China-Bangladesh Friendship and Brightness Trip to consolidate the friendship between the two countries," Xi added.

The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the BCPFA will jointly host the China-Bangladesh Friendship and Brightness (Ophthalmic) Trip, sending a team of Chinese medical experts this year to offer free medical services to the country's cataract patients.

Xi's visit is the first by a Chinese vice president to the southern Asian nation. And his four-nation trip will also take him to Laos, New Zealand and Australia.

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